History of ideas: the invention of Christmas
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- Start Date: 13 Dec 2025End Date: 13 Dec 2025Sat (Daytime): 10:30 - 13:30OnlineFull fee £29.00 Senior fee £23.00 Concession £19.00
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What is the course about?
In this course, we will explore the ‘invention of Christmas’ in the 19th century over a three hour session. We consider 1) the difference between modern and medieval Christmas. 2) the growth of the ‘Victorian Christmas’ in the 19th century 3) social and cultural catalysts for this change.
What will we cover?
1) What was the ‘Christmas of yore’? Looking at the medieval and early modern Christmas. How was Christmas celebrated in the 15th – 16th centuries? Why was it banned by the Puritans in the 1650s?
2) How did Christmas reinvent itself? Looking at the Victorian Christmas we’ll consider what changed from the medieval era. Distinctives of the new Victorian Christmas which was child-centric, family-orientated, and highly sentimental.
3) What caused these changes? Looking at social and cultural examples, we’ll consider how the industrial revolution, evangelicalism, and Romanticism inspired these changes. Significant individuals, such as Prince Albert and Charles Dickens, will also be discussed.
The majority of our session will be spent focusing on the third point.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Discuss the changes which erupted in the Victorian era which catalysed the family traditions of Christmas – many of which are still celebrated in the 21st century.
Examine evidence which provides insight int othe reason for this ‘reinvention of Christmas’ in the 19th century.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
No special knowledge or skills are required other than intellectual interest in the subject and curiosity.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The sessions will be run in a seminar format with slide-based presentations, interactive activities and discussion. (Small groups may be used if a large number of students are in attendance). No work outside class.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No costs, beyond the technology required to attend the course online. You may wish to bring a device or paper to take notes.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Have a look at our range of philosophy and history of ideas courses online.
Angela Platt is a Senior Lecturer in Liberal Arts at St Mary’s University, Twickenham. She is completing her PhD at Royal Holloway University which looks at love, religion, and culture in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. In the course of her research, she utilises a broad range of sources: literature, letters, diaries, sermons, and artwork. She has published broadly on emotions and religion, with a chapter coming out soon on ‘Love and the Divine’. She has a particular interest in how cultural norms intersect with inner experience and identity - noting how these historical frameworks still impact us today
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
